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Chapter One: the modern local, Santa Ana, CA

Chapter One: the modern local

4.6
4.6
586 Reviews
$30 and under
Gastro Pub

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 14 times today
  • Great for happy hour
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
Our eclectic food and spirits fuse the exotic with the traditional, always created with our own playful twist. Our kitchen, led by executive chef Tony Castaneda, features local, sustainable, seasonal and all-natural ingredients. The atmosphere blends the pleasures of elegant dining with the relaxed conviviality of a local pub. Our cocktail list, highlighted by our award-winning fresh ginger Moscow Mules, also features over 200 whiskeys from around the world.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, Cocktail Bar, American
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–15:00 Bar Mon–Thu 11:00–22:00 Fri 11:00–00:30 Sat 10:00–00:30 Sun 10:00–21:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–16:00 Dinner Mon–Thu 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–23:00 Sun 16:00–20:00
  • Phone number
    (714) 352-2225
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Luis Perez
  • Catering
    We offer many options for larger parties in our private event space, The Red Room. We offer party platters, drink ticket options, and customized menus. Please email sales@chapteronetml.com for more details.
  • Private party facilities
    A beautifully decorated private dinning room with multimedia capabilities. Parties, meetings, luncheons, entertainment venue; endless possibilities.
  • Area
    Santa Ana
  • Cross Street
    Broadway & 3rd
  • Parking details
    Street parking, a large parking garage located directly across the street, and a pay lot directly behind the restaurant.
  • Public transit
    Minutes away from the Santa Ana Train Station and Regional Transportation Center. Downtown Santa Ana is located in the center of Orange County, so it's never too far from anybody!
  • Entertainment
    Follow us on Facebook for our event schedule!
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Private dining

What 586 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Orange County

    Best Service

  • Orange County

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Orange County

    Lively

  • North Orange County

    Best Service

  • North Orange County

    Neighbourhood gem

  • North Orange County

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Chapter One: the modern local is a lively dining spot that offers "amazing food" and "great service" with a creative menu featuring dishes like duck fat fries and mushroom flatbread. The atmosphere is vibrant, making it perfect for brunch, dinner, or drinks. While the noise level can be high, the overall experience is delightful.

586 Reviews
  1. Rachael

    San Diego2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food, service, and accommodations were excellent, but the television was so noisy that we couldn't talk to each other.

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County1 review

    3.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    They changed their menu to the extent that it is no longer a Foodie Standard like it was back in the day. In addition they no longer serve up craft cocktails.

    Is this helpful?

  3. widneyh

    San Diego6 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 1 March 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    Not enough wait staff. Food did not come out on time for our party to eat together. It took 15 minutes to get a bill and it was totally wrong. No coffee refill until meal was almost finished. Bathrooms need a cleaning. 2nd time there. Disappointed.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Paul

    Orange County2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 22 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    JJ & his crew did a fantastic job with the food. Natalie took great care with us & she has an amazing attitude.

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  5. Robert VIP

    Puerto Vallarta1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really kind people with exceptional food!! We would absolutely return.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jacinda

    Los Angeles5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 30 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service, great food and easy parking! We will definitely be back. Great spot!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Joanie VIP

    Los Angeles16 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 23 January 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Nice booth by the window. Had a few cold draft beers, very smooth. Ordered the sliders and french fries. Order came out quick and was just enough to get us through to our event down the street. Live music playing just as we left but had a great vibe. We'd go back!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Whitty VIP

    Orange County19 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 7 December 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Chapter One feels like stepping into a scene in a novel. A converted bookstore, the menu often contains fun literary allusions and the simple fare is well crafted and cooked perfectly. They also make fun variations of moscow mules. The menu changes but there always seem to be mac and cheese, elevated vegan tacos, other tacos, steak and there is always something delicious. A fun and worthy destination that will not break the bank!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Chris

    Orange County3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 27 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The empanadas are amazing! Everything is quality and fresh! Staff is friendly service was excellent! I will definitely be back!!

    Is this helpful?

  10. THEODORE VIP

    Orange County1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 26 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Delicious! We had the steak salad, meatloaf sandwich and the chicken bacon ranch sandwich. Cant wait to go back.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Chapter One: the modern local does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates. Chapter One: the modern local also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (714) 352-2225.

Chapter One: the modern local is rated 4.6 stars by 586 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 14 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Chapter One: the modern local

227 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Broadway & 3rd
  • Area
    Santa Ana
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–15:00 Bar Mon–Thu 11:00–22:00 Fri 11:00–00:30 Sat 10:00–00:30 Sun 10:00–21:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–16:00 Dinner Mon–Thu 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–23:00 Sun 16:00–20:00
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, Cocktail Bar, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street parking, a large parking garage located directly across the street, and a pay lot directly behind the restaurant.
  • Public transit
    Minutes away from the Santa Ana Train Station and Regional Transportation Center. Downtown Santa Ana is located in the center of Orange County, so it's never too far from anybody!
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Luis Perez
  • Entertainment
    Follow us on Facebook for our event schedule!
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (714) 352-2225
  • Catering
    We offer many options for larger parties in our private event space, The Red Room. We offer party platters, drink ticket options, and customized menus. Please email sales@chapteronetml.com for more details.
  • Private party facilities
    A beautifully decorated private dinning room with multimedia capabilities. Parties, meetings, luncheons, entertainment venue; endless possibilities.
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  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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